How to Live in Same House While Getting a Divorce

For many couples who are going through an amicable divorce, living in the same house is a great financial decision. Although divorce may be amicable, it is still an uncomfortable time. Seeing your future ex-spouse on a daily basis can become stressful. There are certain steps that you can take in order to make living in the same house will getting a divorce a more comfortable situation for all parties.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Separate Beds and Preferably Bedrooms
• Calendar
• Computer with Access to a Printer

1. Move one of the divorcing spouses into a separate bedroom. If the divorce is in progress, it is important to create a physical separation between you and your spouse. Having a close physical presence to one another can create problems of emotional stress for one or both parties involved in the divorce. If you do not have an extra bedroom, consider purchasing a separate bed so that the two of you do not share a bed.

2. Post a calendar in an easy-to-view place that has important appointments and other information listed. Although the two of you are going through a divorce, it is nice to know when to expect your roommate will be coming and going. If you have children, it is important to schedule in family time and one-on-one time with the children. It is also important to schedule a day out by yourself to allow yourself time to relax.

3. Print out a chore schedule. Since the couple’s relationship is dissolving and you are living as roommates, it is important for both parties to be involved in the household chores. Create this together to ensure that both of you agree on a fair division of household chores. You can either rotate chores on a weekly basis or just keep a consistent schedule for each person. Don’t forget to schedule laundry time so that everyone isn’t trying to get all of their laundry done at the same time.

4. Separate your bank accounts. It is important to separate your finances as soon as possible as this will give the divorce lawyers as well as the judge a better idea of the income as well as expenses experienced by each individual. If children are involved and one parent has stayed at home, it is important that an order of child support be enforced on the other parent to ensure that the stay-at-home parent as well as the children are receiving sufficient funds.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider seeing a divorce counselor to help ease the stress that comes when a couple chooses to live together during a divorce.

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on 6/24/2009 Yes, an amicable divorce IS possible - and so is living (relatively) peacefully in the same house. Check out my story at barsofaccord.blogspot.com